Christopher Brandon

(male) From the Greek name Khristophoros, from Khristos ‘Christ’ + pherein ‘to bear’. This was popular among early Christians, conscious of the fact that they were metaphorically bearing Christ in their hearts. A later, over-literal interpretation of the name gave rise to the legend of a saint who actually bore the Christ-child over a stream; he is regarded as the patron of travellers. In England the name was uncommon in the Middle Ages, but became very popular in the 16th century, especially in parts of the North.

1. English: habitational name from any of various places called Brandon, in County Durham, Northumbria, Norfolk, Suffolk, Warwickshire, and elsewhere. Most are named with Old English brōm ‘broom’, ‘gorse’ + dūn ‘hill’. One in Lincolnshire, however, may be named with the Brant river, on which it stands; Ekwall derives the river name from Old English brant ‘steep’, presumably with reference to its steep banks.